We can blame Bruce Willis for ‘London Has Fallen’. Since his
star turn in the ‘Die Hard’ series, dozens of movies have attempted to copy its
formula. The brash American bodyguard/cop ready with a gun and a quip
battling an array of foreign villains has been oft used. ‘London Has
Fallen’ uses this motif in the laziest way possible. A sequel to ‘Olympus Has
Fallen’, it’s a film on auto-pilot from its first predictable frame.
Those wanting mindless viewing will enjoy even if its soul-crushing Hollywood
production-line feel becomes tiresome.
When the British Prime Minister dies, U.S. President
Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) attends the funeral. Travelling to London with
trusted body-guard Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), the President hopes all goes
smoothly. Unfortunately terrorists strike during the service with explosions
and guns almost decimating the city. The President and Mike are isolated
and on the run from unseen enemies bent on revenge. Using their wits to
survive they take on any forces standing in their way of freedom.
‘London Has Fallen’s appeal lies in its slim run-time.
This is just as well as it hasn’t got much else going for it. Although
filled with requisite explosions and noise, it adds nothing new to a weary
genre. Performed by actors with their eyes on the pay-check, it’s
difficult becoming involved in their character’s dilemmas. Butler and
Eckhart go through the motions with little enthusiasm in a direction devoid of
innovative imagination.
Occasionally there are tense moments as the leads walk
through London’s deserted streets. Unfortunately these scenes are
replaced by more ranting by the film’s ‘rent-a-villains’ and more loud noise.
The expected car chases are fine even if they drag. The shoddily shot CGI
and bombastic orchestral score add to the overall shrillness with the
screenplay quickly running out of ways to put its characters in even more
ludicrous situations.
‘London Has Fallen’ isn’t even a poor-man’s ‘Die
Hard’. It’s a tawdry plod through the action-movie back catalogue
revelling in the genre’s clichés. It’s a miniscule effort unworthy of
viewer’s eyes which hopefully will be spared a dreaded sequel.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 1
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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